Microsoft is busy preparing its next-generation Windows client, shortly after shipping Windows 8 in October. The Verge has learned from several sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that the company is planning to standardize on an approach, codenamed Blue, across Windows and Windows Phone in an effort to provide more regular updates to consumers.

Originally unveiled by ZDNet, the update on the Windows side, due in mid-2013, will include UI changes and alterations to the entire platform and pricing. We’re told that Microsoft is aiming to make Windows Blue the next OS that everyone installs. The approach is simple, Microsoft will price its next Windows release at a low cost or even free to ensure users upgrade. Once Windows Blue is released, the Windows SDK will be updated to support the new release and Microsoft will stop accepting apps that are built specifically for Windows 8, pushing developers to create apps for Blue. Windows 8 apps will continue to run on Blue despite the planned SDK changes.

Yearly upgrades will be the norm for Windows soon

We understand that you will need a genuine copy of Windows to upgrade to Windows Blue. Built-in apps and the Windows Store will cease functioning if a copy is upgraded that is pirated. Sources tell us that Microsoft will likely keep the Windows 8 name for the foreseeable future, despite the Windows Blue update. A big part of Windows Blue is the push towards yearly updates for Microsoft’s OS. Microsoft will kick off an annual upgrade cycle for Windows that is designed to make it more competitive against rival platforms from Apple and Google.

We reached out to Microsoft for comment, however a company spokesperson refused to discuss Windows Blue.

Windows 8 (8.0)
Windows 8 Blue (8.1)
Windows 8 Red (8.2)
Windows 8 Yellow (8.3)
Windows 8 Green (8.4)
Could maybe keep going with different colors up to 8.9... but if they're gonna release one per year and provide a complete upgrade to a new OS within about 5 years, then they'll just stop at 8.4 and move to 9.0. ....just a guess.

One of the most important things Microsoft has to do right now is a WinRT desktop, and more WinRT APIs to kill Win32. If they figure out a way to virtualize Win32 apps, they can then switch the OS to a completely different one (Midori) and apps won't notice.

My guess is that it will be free for Win8 users and the usual price for anybody else, maybe still around $40 to make sure everybody switches
I read somewhere they are working to make the start screen more customizable, like WP8, more different tile sizes,...

I think the SDK change will be just an update to the new Metro API, after all it's only a v1.0 release, we should be happy if they upgrade this as much as possible
There is no way they are going to make people get used to yet another API after this reboot with Win8, like some are thinking

doesn't matter. legacy and regression testing will still take place, and most companies don't like to be on the bleeding edge anymore. Those yearly updates will be rolled out the following year or two in medium-larger companies....and even skipping whole years to keep budget (for testing and maintenance fees) down...effectively defeating MS's reasons for doing this.

doesn't matter. legacy and regression testing will still take place, and most companies don't like to be on the bleeding edge anymore. Those yearly updates will be rolled out the following year or two in medium-larger companies....and even skipping whole years to keep budget (for testing and maintenance fees) down...effectively defeating MS's reasons for doing this.

Agreed. And updating thousands of computers plus retraining and testing is going to be a nightmare. Heck, it might be cheaper and easier to move to a Mac.